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Can babies eat lemon?
Lemon can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage.
How to cook lemon for a baby
- Method
- Juice or zest
- Ready in
- 2 Min.
- Texture
- Juice or zest mixed into dishes
How you cut and serve lemon changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare lemon, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to purées or porridge to brighten flavour. Start with very small amounts.
- 9 to 11 months
- Use lemon juice and zest freely in cooked dishes, dressings, and yogurt.
- 12 to 17 months
- Lemon juice as dressing for finger foods — a squeeze over fish or vegetables adds flavour.
- 18 months and over
- Use lemon freely in all family cooking. Many children love the sour taste.
Choking risk
Lemon is used as a flavouring in small amounts. Never offer whole lemon slices or large pieces. The juice and zest are the safe ways to use lemon in baby food.
Watch: How to avoid choking
Is lemon an allergen?
Lemon is not one of the main food allergens. Any new food can cause a reaction the first time it is offered, so give it on its own and stay with your baby while they eat.
Is lemon good for babies?
Lemon is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, which dramatically enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods — a crucial pairing in vegetarian weaning. A squeeze of lemon over iron-rich foods like lentils or spinach can triple the iron your baby absorbs. Introduce early for flavour diversity and functional nutrition.
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Potassium
- Bioflavonoids
Storing lemon
In the fridge
5 Days. Fresh squeezed lemon juice keeps for 5 days refrigerated
In the freezer
4 Months. Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for easy measured portions
Baby recipes with lemon
- Lemon Blueberry Yogurt
- Trout with Peas & Lemon
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Mini Haddock Fishcakes
- Trout & Cucumber Bites
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Not sure what to offer after lemon?
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This page is general information based on NHS weaning guidance, not medical advice. Always stay with your baby while they eat. If you have concerns about allergies, choking or your baby's development, speak to your health visitor or GP.